The reason why you should consider braided hairstyles is that they are timeless and flexible. Apart from being appropriate for any age, braids are a perfect choice since they combine elegance and style.
When it comes to hairstyles, braids aren’t just for the younger crowd! Women over 50 can absolutely rock gorgeous braided styles that not only look elegant but are also practical and easy to maintain. Braids are a wonderful way to keep your hair tidy while still adding a touch of sophistication, creativity, and flair to your everyday look.
This will help you stay true to yourself by accepting who you are naturally and confidently displaying your uniqueness in style. There is a braided appearance suitable for every person, ranging from highly complicated layouts to basic but stylish models.
So, if you’re over 50 and wondering how to spice up your hair game, here are braid ideas that are perfect for you!
Related: 50 Short Haircuts ideas for women over 50
Braids Ideas For Women Over 50
1. The Classic French Braid
French braids are timeless and classy—a perfect go-to style for any occasion. They work beautifully on both short and long hair, providing a neat and polished look. The best part? Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can do it in no time! Plus, it’s gentle on the hair, reducing breakage and frizz.
Pro Tip: You can pull out a few face-framing pieces to soften the look or leave it tight for a more sleek appearance.
2. The Elegant Side Braid
Side braids are a fantastic way to add a bit of charm and youthfulness to your style without looking over-the-top. For women over 50, a looser side braid can create an effortless, relaxed vibe. This look is perfect for casual outings or even dressy occasions—just add a chic hairpin to glam it up!
Pro Tip: Gently loosen the braid for a fuller, more voluminous look.
3. The Crown Braid
Want to feel like royalty? Try the crown braid! This style circles the head like a crown and is incredibly flattering for women of all ages, especially for those who want to channel a romantic and feminine look. Crown braids can be worn to formal events or just for a day out—because who says you can’t feel fabulous every day?
Pro Tip: Crown braids look stunning with highlighted hair, as the different shades can add depth and dimension to the braid.
4. The Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids may look intricate, but they’re surprisingly simple to create once you get the hang of it. This braid is perfect for a unique, textured look that adds a playful twist to your hairstyle. Whether you’re heading to brunch with friends or a fancy dinner, a fishtail braid always adds an extra touch of style.
Pro Tip: For a relaxed, beachy vibe, lightly tug at the braid to give it a messy, boho-chic finish.
5. The Halo Braid
Halo braids are similar to crown braids but with a more relaxed and bohemian feel. This style is perfect for women over 50 who want to keep their hair off their face while still looking elegant. The halo braid is an excellent choice for summer days or outdoor events, giving off an effortless, graceful aura.
Pro Tip: Add small flowers or accessories to your braid for a fun, flirty touch!
6. The Dutch Braid
Dutch braids are like the opposite of French braids—they sit on top of the hair rather than blending in. This bold, three-dimensional braid adds instant volume and texture, making it perfect for women with finer hair. Whether you opt for a single Dutch braid or two for a more youthful, playful look, this style is a great way to keep your hair in place while adding a modern touch.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry if a few strands come loose—Dutch braids look even better with a slightly messy finish.
7. The Low Braided Bun
A low-braided bun is a chic way to combine the beauty of a braid with the sophistication of an updo. This style works wonders for women over 50, providing an elegant and sleek look. It’s perfect for formal events or when you want to keep things classy. The braid adds texture and visual interest to a traditional bun, making it stand out.
Pro Tip: Use a decorative hairpin or clip to elevate the look and add a touch of glam.
8. The Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is a lovely, delicate style that’s perfect for special occasions. As the name suggests, sections of hair “cascade” through the braid, creating a whimsical, flowing look. It’s ideal for medium to long hair and looks especially beautiful when paired with soft waves.
Pro Tip: If you have highlights, this braid will really help to show off those lighter strands, creating a gorgeous contrast.
9. The Boxer Braid
Feeling adventurous? Boxer braids, also known as double Dutch braids, are a fantastic way to add an edge to your look. While they are often associated with younger women, there’s no reason you can’t rock this style in your 50s! It’s fun, and practical, and keeps your hair neat and tidy, especially if you’re active or on the go.
Pro Tip: Pair this style with bold earrings or makeup for a standout look.
10. The Braided Ponytail
For women who love a quick, easy style with a bit of flair, the braided ponytail is a winner. Simply braid a section of your hair and incorporate it into a ponytail. This look is both youthful and practical, perfect for running errands or catching up with friends over coffee. It’s simple, low-maintenance, and gives an extra twist to your everyday ponytail.
Pro Tip: For a sleeker look, wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to conceal it.
11. The Lace Braid
A lace braid is similar to a French braid, but instead of pulling in hair from both sides, you only add strands from one side. This creates a beautiful, asymmetrical look that feels light and airy. Lace braids are a subtle yet elegant way to keep hair away from the face while still looking chic, making them ideal for women over 50 who prefer a softer style.
Pro Tip: You can wear a lace braid as a headband-style braid across your forehead for a romantic, youthful look.
12. The Pull-Through Braid
For those who love voluminous braids but struggle with traditional braiding techniques, the pull-through braid is a perfect alternative. This style gives the appearance of a thick braid, but it’s actually made by tying sections of hair with elastics and pulling them through each other. The result is a bold, textured look that’s great for special occasions or whenever you want to make a statement.
Pro Tip: Use clear elastics to keep the braid seamless, and gently tug at each section to achieve maximum volume.
13. The Infinity Braid
If you’re in the mood for something unique and intricate, the infinity braid is a stunning option. This braid involves wrapping a small section of hair around two larger strands in a continuous “infinity” symbol pattern. While it may look complex, with a little practice, you can create this stylish braid with ease. The infinity braid is perfect for women over 50 who enjoy detailed and creative hairstyles.
Pro Tip: The infinity braid looks best when slightly loose, so don’t be afraid to relax the tension as you go.
14. The Double Waterfall Braid
Take the classic waterfall braid to the next level by doubling it! The double waterfall braid creates an even more dramatic cascading effect, adding extra elegance and sophistication to your look. This braid is especially beautiful when paired with curls or waves, making it a fabulous option for formal events, weddings, or simply when you want to feel a bit more glamorous.
Pro Tip: Add delicate accessories like pearl pins or small flowers to the braid for an extra touch of refinement.
15. The Braided Bob
Who says you need long hair to enjoy braids? A braided bob is an excellent choice for women with shorter hair. Whether it’s a small, single braid tucked behind your ear or a series of tiny braids framing your face, braiding short hair can give your bob a playful, artistic twist. It’s a simple yet stylish way to add texture and movement to your hairstyle without needing length.
Pro Tip: For an edgy look, try a side cornrow braid paired with your bob to give it a modern, bold twist.
16-20. Natural Jumble Braids
For women aged 50 and up, Natural Jumble Braids is the perfect hairstyle choice that will make them appear chic and young but respectable with regard to style; not to mention they can be kept in place without much hassle.
The hair is mainly texturized by these braids let it appear free though neat highlighting facial outlines while at the same time giving it a voluminous appearance.
No matter what one is planning to attend, Natural Jumble Braids go with anything, be it a simple hang-out or a high-class occasion; this kind of versatility would rather add some wild or gypsy touch a little bit ambiguous making it an eternal choice for women throughout history
21-23. Jumbo Free-Flow Braids
Women around the age of 50 can have an attractive hairstyle by adopting the Jumbo Free-Flow Braids that is simple and classy. These big, large-to-medium sections of braids are stylish and trendy giving the look both an old and new touch.
They bring out the hair’s structure encouraging a touch in motion that reveals young age people with a quest for life. Regardless of whether there is nothing really interesting going on or anything can be expected from you, such powerful, flexible and low-maintenance hairstyles can be worn anywhere.
24-29. Beaded Blonde Girl Braids
Beaded Blonde Girl Braids are and always have been a very wonderful choice for women over fifty years old, they combine past-time beauty with current glamour. Regardless of how difficult or easy they are, these braids tend to enhance the natural charm of blonde hair, adding some depth and dimension.
At all times and places Blonde Girl Braids have a a youthful, playful air about them would make it possible to wear them on any occasion; a casual walk in the park or an evening in a restaurant. At the same time, it is easy to maintain one’s face frame with this style as well as,”.
30-34. Gypsy Mama Braids
Gypsy Mama Braids are a fascinating and fashionable alternative for ladies who are over fifty years old. These braids combine bohemian chic with classic style to create a spellbinding look. What makes these braids so special is their complicated patterns and the feeling of freedom in them.
What is more, you may do them while expressing uniqueness and embracing yourself as you are, not pretending to be someone else
35-38. Bohemian Braids
Bohemian braids are a great choice of hairstyle for a woman who is over the age of 50 and at the same time wants to look relaxed as well as artistic. This type of braid normally has loose patterns with plenty of texture that make them look like they are not very tight.
These braids allow the hair to move naturally and are less dense so as to enhance its volume while still maintaining the style of the hair. They are perfect for both casual days out and special occasions because they add some sparkle to one’s youthful days. You can wear bohemian braids anytime because they are suitable for all occasions.
39-42. Medium-Length Braids
Medium-length braids are an excellent hairstyle for women over 50, offering a perfect balance of practicality and style. These braids, which typically fall between the shoulders and mid-back, provide enough length to create intricate patterns while remaining manageable and easy to maintain.
43-50. Curly Blonde Braids
Perfect for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events, Curly Blonde Braids offer a dynamic and versatile style that highlights the hair’s natural beauty. This low-maintenance hairstyle allows women to embrace their curls and blonde locks with confidence and grace, celebrating their unique and timeless appeal.
51-58. Stylish Colorful Braids
Stylish Colorful Braids add a youthful and energetic flair to your appearance. This versatile and low-maintenance hairstyle empowers women to showcase their creativity and individuality with confidence and style, making every day a celebration of color and beauty.